Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days for 59 Nations

Thailand has announced a significant change to its visa-exemption framework, following Cabinet approval of proposals from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The standard visa-free stay for most eligible travelers will be reduced from 60 days to 30 days.

The revised policy will allow nationals from 59 countries and territories to enter Thailand without a visa for tourism stays of up to 30 days. This change withdraws the existing 60-day visa-free entitlement previously extended to 93 countries.

Among the newly included nations are six European Union member states, bringing the total to 27. Notably, Indian nationals will now be included in the 30-day visa-free category, leading to the removal of India's existing Visa-on-Arrival arrangement.

African nations Mauritius and Seychelles will receive visa-free access but with a 15-day stay limit. The Thai government aims to enhance security and close loopholes that could be exploited for illegal activities.

The new measures will take effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette.